Are Phage Viruses the Forgotten Cure for Superbugs? [Excerpt]

Excerpted from The Forgotten Cure: The Past and Future of Phage Therapy, by Anna Kuchment. (Copernicus Books, 2011. Reprinted by permission.) Image: Copernicus Books

The Best Science Writing Online 2012

Showcasing more than fifty of the most provocative, original, and significant online essays from 2011, The Best Science Writing Online 2012 will change the way...

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Excerpted from The Forgotten Cure: The Past and Future of Phage Therapy, by Anna Kuchment. (Copernicus Books, 2011. Reprinted by permission of Springer Science+Business Media)

In April 2002, Fred Bledsoe was doing construction work on his parents' lake house near Fort Wayne, Indiana, when he stepped on a rusty nail that bore through his shoe and lodged in the sole of his foot. Bledsoe cleaned up the wound and drove to a

Daughter of Cuban economy “reforms tsar” flees to the US and is living in Tampa

Glenda Murillo crossed from Mexico at Laredo, Tx. protected by the “dry-foot” policy

Glenda Murillo Diaz crossed the Mexico border at Laredo, Texas, around Aug. 16, the sources told El Nuevo Herald, meaning she was paroled under the wet-foot, dry-foot policy, which allows Cubans who set foot on US land to stay. Cubans caught in the sea are returned to Havana.

Her decision to abandon the Castro brothers-ruled Cuba and settle in the historically antagonistic United States are

Brazil donates Argentina Malvinas Spanish charts dating back to 1770

The charts allegedly were used to recover the Malvinas from the French and later from the British

“It’s an act of love and solidarity with strong historic, symbolic and political value” said Argentina’s Secretary of Culture Jorge Coscia during the meeting with his peer from Brazil Ana de Hollanda.

“They are copies dating back to the XVIII century previous to the British occupation of Malvinas and drawn by Spanish navigators”, said Ezequiel Grimson, head of the Culture department from Argentina’s National Library, which will be the custodian of the prized Brazilian gift.

Japanese Robot cabaret brings in the patrons

Life is a robot cabaret in Tokyo club

Bikini-clad dancers and giant robots bring new twist to Tokyo cabaret club. Sarah Charlton reports.

IT'S the perfect entertainment for a country so enamoured of robots.

A restaurant in Japan has introduced a robot cabaret.

The Robot Restaurant has commissioned several three metre tall bikini-clad robots for an hour long performance called "Fighting Females".

The robots have changeable facial features and are operated by the club's scantily-clad dancers.

"I honestly don't know what I expected out of it, but it's something I knew I would never see anywhere else", said a Tokyo patron.
 

Source: A day in the life of a wizard

Trying times for Cypriot municipalities

Austerity makes it hard for municipalities in Cyprus to perform basic services.

By Constantine Callaghan for Southeast European Times in Nicosia -- 27/08/12

Kythrea is one of 30 municipalities in Cyprus facing significant problems after the government instituted budget cuts. [Constantine Callahan/SETimes]

Cyprus is facing a growing difficulty to finance its municipalities at a time when the eurozone country is requesting a EU, ECB, IMF Troika bailout and the government is cutting municipal funding by nearly a third.

"[We have managed] to deliver services such as waste disposal, but with the onset of government cuts, it is becoming increasingly difficult," Kostas Petrou, mayor of Ayios Dhometios, a large Nicosia suburb, told SETimes

Tropical Storm Forces GOP Convention Delay

In Tampa, plans for the first day of the Republican National Convention have been scrapped because of Tropical Storm Isaac. Convention organizers say safety is their first concern and forecasters are warning there will be strong winds and heavy rain in the city Monday. NPR's Jeff Brady reports that's prompting organizers to wait until Tuesday to begin.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Ahead Of Conventions, Candidates Hone Message

Side trips into tax returns and birth certificates notwithstanding, both presidential candidates say they are the best bet for the beleaguered middle class.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Greek leaders' last chance to keep loans coming

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is fighting for more time to implement reforms and austerity.

By Andy Dabilis for Southeast European Times in Athens -- 24/08/12

Greece's Prime Minister Antonis Samaras (left) talks to Luxembourg's Prime Minister and Eurogroup Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker in Athens on Wednesday (August 22nd). [Reuters]

Under pressure to make at least another 11.5 billion euros in cuts, and possibly more, the Greek coalition government headed by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is again aiming the axe at workers, pensioners and the poor amid warnings this could be the final opportunity for Greece to make reforms or risk losing international aid.

Ahead of visits Friday and Saturday to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, Samaras met with Eurozone chief Jean-Claude Juncker. The prime minister is seeking a two-year extension to make reforms and meet fiscal targets, but got no reassurances.

"The

“We need to prepare for war to live in peace”, says Paraguayan Defence minister

Maria Liz Garcia, Paraguay’s first woman defence minister

In an interview with Asuncion main newspaper, ABC Color, Ms Garcia said that “wars are never promoted by the peoples, rather by ambitious or fanatic rulers which push situations that become atypical as is the case now with Paraguay”.

“It is obvious that Unasur no longer generates trust, at least for Paraguay. That is the problem when principles are manipulated, values distorted and there is a gross violation of the people’s right to self determination”, added the minister.

Last June the heads of government from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay decided to “suspend” Paraguay’s “right to participate in Mercosur different offices and in

Whitmarsh optimistic of Hamilton future

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has no doubt Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract with the team.

The 27-year-old's deal runs out at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move to Mercedes should Michael Schumacher not be retained by the German marque.

Hamilton hauled himself back into title contention with victory in Hungary before the current summer break, and Whitmarsh insists his contract situation will not be a distraction if a deal is not agreed before next weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

Whitmarsh, who Hamilton has assured he wants to remain with

Missing Ethiopian Prime Minister Pronounced Dead

Ethiopians today are facing an uncertain future after the death of their leader, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He was last seen in public in June, and he reportedly died in a Belgian hospital. Guest host Viviana Hurtado discusses the implications of Meles Zenawi's death for the region with NPR Africa correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

State Voter ID Laws Hang In The Balance

With a few months left before the presidential election, voter ID laws are in limbo in a number of states. Critics say the laws disenfranchise eligible voters, supporters say they prevent voter fraud. Guest host Viviana Hurtado discusses the court challenges and national implications with NPR's Corey Dade and Pennsylvania activist Bob Previdi.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Hesh-Bopanna reach final in Cincinnati

Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna earned a chance to win their second title of the season by reaching the summit clash of the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

The Indian duo reached the final with a straight sets win over Croatia's Ivan Dodig and Brazil's Marcelo Melo.

The sixth seed Indian pair recorded a 6-4 6-3 win over their rivals in the semi-finals of the USD 2,825,280 hard court event.

They will now fight it out with fourth seeded pair of Sweden's Robert Lindstedt and Romania's Horia Tecau, who shocked second seed American's Mike and Bob Bryan 7-5 6-7(5) 10-2.

India's Leander

Kosovo law would allow confiscation of property

The Kosovo government and civil society debate the draft law on the confiscation of property.

By Linda Karadaku for Southeast European Times in Pristina -- 18/08/12

Kosovo Albanian courts will ask potential offenders to provide sources of property acquired after 2000. [Laura Hasani/SETimes]

Kosovo's government approved a draft law last week on the confiscation of property obtained through criminal offenses, in an effort to boost the fight against organised crime and corruption.

The ministry said the draft law will guarantee confiscation of property obtained through a criminal offence by extending the power of the courts.

"With this law the justice ministry enabled that in cases of persons sentenced for criminal offences such as organised crime and corruption, the court

Picture perfect: Travel snaps that will wow you

One of the winning pictures, taken near the city of Morondava, on the west coast of Madagascar. Picture: Ken Thorne/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest Source: Supplied

The winning picture was shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor. Picture: Cedric Houin / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest Source: Supplied

NOW these travel photos have the "wow factor".

The eagerly-anticipated winners of the 2012 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest have been announced.

From the Northern Lights in Norway to ancient trees in Japan and isolated islands, a range of stunning pictures won awards.

Prizes ranged from a Galapagos photography expedition to $200 photography gift certificates.

Take a look at all the amazing winning pictures here

 

National

Dulux trials new packaging with 70% less plastic

The paint brand is continuing its sustainability drive with new eco-refill paint pouches, which it claims "offer more than 70% reduction in landfill waste" when compared with the current standard 2.5 litre can.

The re-sealable pouches, available in magnolia matt and pure brilliant white matt emulsion, are due to be trialled exclusively in Homebase from this August.

The development closely follows the introduction of plastic cans with 25% recycled content in 2011 and a roll out of a lower environmental impact formulation across Dulux Standard Emulsion in 2012, with no added solvents and 15% lower carbon footprint.



Dulux marketing director

Giraffe's safari kiss leaves tourist tongue-tied

Tongue tied

An American woman in a safari park got more than she bargained for from the giraffes and their incredibly long tongues.

IT'S enough to give even the most plucky tourist a pain in the neck.

So imagine this mother’s horror when some curious giraffes decided to give her and her family a bit of a tongue lashing while on a safari tour.

The US woman was left squealing in terror as the curious animals repeatedly dipped their heads through the car windows and roof to lick her.

But while her family appeared rather bemused by the spectacle, the woman couldn’t hide her horror as she tried to shield her child.

She

Serbian government aims to take on social responsibility

While new social measures are in the making in Serbia, citizens' reactions are divided.

By Bojana Milovanovic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 14/08/12

The new Serbian cabinet plans to introduce social support for the poor. [Reuters]

At the time of economic crisis, rising unemployment, and poverty in Serbia, the new government faces a hard task of improving social issues.

"We are now trying to ensure that the pensions are paid for September, that's how difficult the situation is," Mladjan Djinkic, Serbian finance and economy minister, told reporters.

The economic crisis provides a challenging environment for Serbia to find funding for social measures, which are some of the most important parts of the agreement the government coalition partners signed before

Status lacking for disabled in Southeast Europe

Many Southeast European countries are still far from meeting some essential needs of the disabled.

By Bojana Milovanovic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 13/08/12

Several countries in Southeast Europe lack social services to serve people with disabilities. [Reuters]

Meeting the needs of people with disabilities is still a challenge in Southeast Europe. While some countries achieved much in respecting the rights and equal opportunities of the disabled, others still fall short.

Serbia has underdeveloped social services and support for disabled people and those with special needs, according to NGO representatives and parents of the handicapped. They point out late diagnostics and an insufficient desire to relocate disabled people from wards and institutions as the key problems.

Another problem, they said, is legal regulations that are passed but not implemented.

Ryan Brings The Love To Romney's Campaign

Enlarge Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Exuberant audiences are welcoming Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to the GOP 2012 ticket.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Exuberant audiences are welcoming Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to the GOP 2012 ticket.

Since Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., came on the scene Saturday, Mitt Romney's rallies have felt different. The crowds are bigger. The audience is more raucous. Lines that used to be a routine part of the Republican presidential candidate's stump speech have become rousing battle cries.

At the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., 1,600 people crowded into the room and thousands more swarmed outside.

"I feel like I'm in Woodstock," gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory exclaimed. "There's a parking jam!"

That's not a typical description of a Romney campaign rally, but it seemed apt as this bus tour worked its way through Virginia, North Carolina then Wisconsin. Intensity built from one stop to the next, and everywhere the audience shouted "USA! USA! USA! USA!"

The reason, of course, is the running mate. Ryan has changed the vibe.

At a typical Obama rally, someone will shout "I love you," and the president will reply, "I love you back." People don't shout that at Romney, but for both of the last two days, Ryan has got the love. "I love you, too," he shouts back.

Enlarge Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. Republican vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan greets supporters during a campaign rally in High Point, N.C., on Sunday.

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. Republican vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan greets supporters during a campaign rally in High Point, N.C., on Sunday.

Gail Rudisill has always liked Romney, but Ryan sends a different kind of shiver down her spine.

"Mitt Romney is maybe a little bit detached from folks like us," she says. "Just regular, working folks struggling to get by, that sort of thing."

This can be a big plus for Romney. And also a minus. Campaign advisers welcome the enthusiasm, but for many reasons, they don't want the newcomer to overshadow the boss.

"The thing you have to remember about these campaigns is that Gov. Romney's at the top of the ticket," says Romney adviser Kevin Madden, who underlined the hierarchy at a briefing with reporters Sunday morning.

"Gov. Romney's vision for the country is something that Congressman Ryan supports," he said. "So as we begin to talk about the issues, as far as the economy, the budget, the vision for the future, on how we create jobs and how we build a more sustainable economy, that's something that Gov. Romney's going to be talking about

Macedonian Roma upset over asylum rules

Amid criticism, Macedonia takes legal and public education steps to retain its visa-free regime.

By Biljana Lajmanovska for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- 11/08/12

Most Macedonian citizens judged to be seeking fake asylum are returned at the Macedonia-Serbia border. [Reuters]

Under a direct EU threat to have its visa-free status suspended, Macedonia has undertaken measures to return its citizens to the border who attempt to seek asylum, or cannot justify their travel to the EU.

Macedonia is also raising awareness about visa policies and the consequences of abuse.

Some Roma in Macedonia -- one of the most numerous ethnic groups seeking asylum

Samsung details Exynos 5 Cortex-A15 system-on-chip

Samsung's latest Exynos ARM processor boasts dual 1.7GHz Cortex-A15 cores, Mali T-604 graphics and support for WQXGA displays.

Samsung's semiconductor arm has revealed the first details regarding its upcoming Exynos 5 system-on-chip design, destined for future tablets and smartphones.

Replacing the ARM Cortex-A9 core design used in previous-generation Exynos processors - as found in the Samsung Galaxy S II and S III smartphones - with ARM's Cortex-A15 'Eagle' IP, the Exynos 5 promises to be one of the fastest ARM-based processors to be found in a consumer device. Improvements made by ARM's army of designers

Who Gets To Decide Who Is Native American?

A controversy about identity has erupted in the race for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. News outlets revealed Democrat Elizabeth Warren claimed Cherokee ancestry during her academic career, and critics say Warren isn't providing enough documentation to prove her identity. Host Michel Martin discusses just who is Native American.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Kosovo's Central Bank exercises its authority

Financial institutions operating under Serbia's banking regulations are being targeted by the Central Bank of Kosovo.

By Linda Karadaku for Southeast European Times in Pristina -- 08/08/12

Some banks in Kosovo are operating under Serbia's banking rules. [Reuters]

The Central Bank of Kosovo is taking action against two financial institutions in Serb-dominated enclaves that have been operating without the authorisation of the Central Bank.

The Central Bank has the exclusive legal responsibility for regulating, licensing, registration and supervision of all financial institutions in the country. But the two banks that were found in non-compliance, both operated by Dunav banka

Kosovo takes measures to reduce foreign wheat imports

Financial support from the government for wheat production in Kosovo reached 4.4m euros this year.

By Linda Karadaku for Southeast European Times in Pristina -- 07/08/12

Salih Salihu a farmer and professor of agriculture at the Pristina University, inspects crop on his farm. [Salih Salihu/SETimes]

Kosovo is taking measures to reduce its dependence on imports of wheat, corn and flour through increased subventions for the agriculture sector, especially in wheat farming.

Financial support from the government for wheat production in Kosovo reached 4.4m euros this year, Adil Behramaj, spokesperson for the Kosovo Agriculture Ministry, told SETimes. "The result of the support

Russia's biggest bank enters the region

Some analysts argue that the entry of Russia's Sberbank into regional markets is a good thing because it diversifies banking.

By Ivana Jovanovic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 06/08/12

Volksbank branches were acquired by Sberbank. [Nada Bozic/SETimes]

Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, acquired the Austrian-based financial conglomerate Volksbank International AG Group and will take over Volksbank's branches in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Croatia and Serbia.

The acquisition took six months, resulting in a significantly reduced price of 505m euros.

"Sberbank's entry will increase competitiveness in regional banking because it is the biggest Russian bank and a significant

Runner With Artificial Legs Sprints Past Barrier

Sunday night at the Olympics, South African Oscar Pistorius runs again in a preliminary heat in the 400-meter sprint. His first heat Saturday made history because Pistorius has artificial legs. He's the first amputee to run an Olympic race. NPR's Howard Berkes looks at an unprecedented Olympic quest some are not ready to accept.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Economists Cautiously Applaud Jobs Report

In a much needed sign of hope for the U.S. economy, the Labor Department reported Friday that the country gained 163,000 jobs in July, which was better than expected. Still, unemployment rose a bit to 8.3 percent. NPR's Chris Arnold reports from an annual economics retreat in Maine with reaction from some of the country's top economists and analysts there.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Back From Abroad, Romney Hits The Road In Colo.

Mitt Romney campaigned Thursday in Colorado, the first domestic appearances since returning from his trip to Europe and the Middle East. He huddled with Republican governors who heaped praise on him in Aspen, where he also held a fundraiser. And, NPR's Brian Naylor reports, he addressed a rally in a Denver suburb.

Source: NPR : National Public Radio

Chilean opposition remains divided ahead of October municipal elections

President Piñera will be facing a splintered opposition

“Concertation”, a coalition of centre and left groupings that ruled Chile from 1990 to 2010 and the Communist party registered an only list of mayor candidates but a couple hours later another opposition grouping “Por un Chile justo” did the same with its own list of Council candidates.

Radical party Senator Jose Antonio Gomez admitted that with the opposition presenting different candidates “it is a problem” which will have an

Montenegro parliament's dissolution draws mixed response

The ruling coalition said it wants to avoid hiccups on the country's EU path, but the opposition said those in power are just paving the way for more problems.

By Drazen Remikovic for Southeast European Times in Podgorica -- 31/07/12

Montenegro's parliament was dissolved last week. [Reuters]

In what is said to be an effort to continue on its European integration track, Montenegro's ruling coalition dissolved parliament last week, which is a prerequisite for calling early elections that are expected in October.

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), the main party in the ruling coalition, is expected to win again despite the ongoing allegations of nepotism and corruption. But the DPS and its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party